Introduction

Windows Phone 8 is officially in the race. It probably isn't time to count the horses just yet but Team Windows seems ready to bounce - major OEMs have backed Microsoft up with flagships and mid-range options. Redmond is doing its part with what looks like one of the biggest OS overhauls this year.

It's not new looks that will impress users - the UI design has always been among the platform's strong points - but there are so many things under the hood that make the new OS such a decisive step forward. Windows Phone 8 supports multiple core chipsets and different screen resolutions. There's even deeper social integration, improved SkyDrive and Xbox Live support, DirectX graphics, Windows 8 and Xbox 360 cloud and services, USB mass storage.

The new platform core helps streamline app development and ties everything up in a consistent, cross-device ecosystem. What this means is the proverbial catching up with the Android and iOS app stores is finally within Microsoft's reach.

Key features:

Multi-core processor and multiple screen resolution support

Clean, uncluttered UI with distinctive design language

DirectX graphics support

Excellent MS Office mobile implementation

Top-notch social integration

Cloud services (SkyDrive, Windows Live, Xbox Live)

Wireless sync of multimedia content

Internal memory expandable via microSD card slot

USB Mass Storage mode

Multi-tasking

DivX/XviD video support

Nokia-powered Bing Maps

Children's corner

Data Sense

Class-leading JavaScript performance

NFC support

Bluetooth file transfers

Main disadvantages:

No system-wide file manager

No voice-guided navigation

No music player equalizers

No lockscreen shortcuts

Maximum supported resolution still lower than Android

Microsoft is spreading the campaign wide this time and failure is not an option. Windows 8 and Windows RT OS have already demonstrated huge potential. The Surface lineup looks promising and blurs the traditional boundaries between tablet and laptop. The recently launched Xbox Music service is something to look forward to as well. It is now Windows Phone 8's turn to show off its newly found skill and power.